38_Seeing the hand of God in everything

Gen 45:1-11 Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. 3 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’

Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsy were imprisoned in Ravensbrück, a Nazi concentration camp infamous for its cruelty. Amidst unimaginable suffering, they encountered a particularly frustrating and repulsive problem: their barracks were infested with lice. Betsy, deeply grounded in faith, reminded Corrie of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks.” She said, “Corrie, we must thank God even for these lice.” Corrie resisted. How could one possibly thank God for such an unpleasant situation? However, Betsy’s conviction didn’t waver. She believed that God’s purposes extended even to these tiny, bothersome creatures.

As the days passed, Corrie and Betsy discovered something astonishing. The barracks guards avoided their quarters entirely because of the lice infestation. This gave the sisters unprecedented freedom to hold Bible studies, share the gospel, and encourage the women around them. Many came to know the Lord in those dark and desperate times. Corrie acknowledged the truth of Betsy’s words: even the lice were used by God to carry out his glorious plan.

The same principle is illustrated by Joseph’s life. In Genesis 45, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, who had sold him into slavery. His words are deeply moving: “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:8). Joseph’s ability to see God’s hand in everything shaped his response to the betrayal and suffering he endured. Instead of bitterness, he forgave. Instead of despair, he hoped.

When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, there was no hint of condemnation or blame in his words. Instead of accusing them of causing years of pain and separation by their actions, he reassured them: “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:5). Joseph’s perspective was entirely centered on God’s sovereignty. He viewed his life not as a series of random events, but as a tapestry woven by God’s hand, each thread serving a divine purpose.

Thus he saw every trial as part of God’s plan for his life. Whether he was betrayed by his brothers, enslaved, falsely accused, or imprisoned, Joseph knew that God was in control. This was no superficial optimism but the fruit of his trust in God. As its direct result, he experienced God’s presence in every circumstance. This assurance enabled him to forgive his brothers fully, knowing that even their sinful actions were used by God to fulfill His purposes.

Joseph’s dealings with his brothers, faith, facts, and feelings operated rightly. Joseph did not ignore the facts of his brothers’ betrayal. He considered their actions and sought evidence of their repentance before revealing himself. His faith in God’s plan and promise guided his actions. His emotions were regulated by his faith which was based on the unchangeable facts of God. Truth must produce faith, and emotions must be controlled by faith as we navigate the challenges of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Forgiveness does not mean denying or editing the facts. He acknowledged the truth when he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt” (Genesis 45:4). Yet, he did not dwell on the wrongs done to him. God’s redemptive plan was his joy. This is a crucial lesson for us. Forgiveness is not about ignoring the pain we’ve endured or pretending that injustice never happened. It is about knowing, through faith, that God brings good for us and for all those he loves from every situation, even those marked by deep hurt and betrayal.

Joseph’s response to his brothers is a powerful illustration of 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” When we believe that God is sovereign and good, we need no revenge. Instead, we can bless those who have wronged us, trusting that God working out our justice and vindication for his glory, while bringing about good for those whom he loves.

Joseph’s story also reminds us that God’s ways and plans are not like ours. Through Joseph’s trials, God not only transformed Joseph but preserved the lives of many peoples and lands during famine. Joseph became the preserver of his family, the future nation of Israel. No suffering is wasted. God has a purpose for each moment, even when it seems meaningless or cruel. This must be our perspective throughout life. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God’s plans for those who love him are“to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Joseph’s story also foreshadows our acceptance in Christ. Joseph went before his brothers into Egypt and suffered there for their ultimate good. Because of him, his brothers went from being aliens and enemies to beloved family. Our Lord came into this world as a servant, suffered for his estranged brothers, and reconciled us to God. Our sins are forgiven. We are no longer outsiders but beloved children of God. He provides for us even during famine, and we enjoy His abundance. We are heirs to the riches of His grace, despite our past disobedience, because of His great love and mercy.

At the end of their meeting, Joseph admonished his brothers: “Do not quarrel on the way” (Genesis 45:24). As God’s dear children, we must forgive continually and freely, for we have been forgiven. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

life challenges us to trust God completely, even in the dark. It reminds us that our trials are not wasted, but are part of God’s greater plan for our lives. When we face trials, betrayals, or disappointments, let us see God’s hand at work. Just as Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20), we know that God’s plan is for our good and for his glory, and cannot be thwarted by man’s disobedience or evil plans.

This faith liberates us to count thankfully the blessings that God has poured into our lives. With Corrie ten Boom, we learn that the most frustrating and unpleasant circumstances are only avenues for God’s grace and glory. Let us resolve to trust God in everything, to give thanks in every situation, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. In doing so, we will reflect the heart of our Savior and bring His light into the darkest places. God bless.